Missing back drive linkage won't prevent you from engaging park. It will eliminate park/neutral safety switch and backup lights. I've been without one for years, just make sure you are aware. Sounds like you need to adjust the cable and if you bought one of the cheap ones, they're known to be on the short side and cause that issue. Take the shift cable off at the transmission, put transmission and shifter in Drive then adjust cable so it fits.

Missing back drive linkage won't prevent you from engaging park. It will eliminate park/neutral safety switch and backup lights. I've been without one for years, just make sure you are aware. Sounds like you need to adjust the cable and if you bought one of the cheap ones, they're known to be on the short side and cause that issue. Take the shift cable off at the transmission, put transmission and shifter in Drive then adjust cable so it fits.

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That's what I was thinking. Is there a specific procedure for adjustment? I did some searching and found some basic procedures for the 70-72 cars, but nothing for an 80. I wonder if there is something on it in the assembly manual...

So I went out this afternoon and disconnected the cable, raised the rear, and made sure the trans was in park aaaaaaand...... Turning the driveshaft makes a nice clicking sound in the trans. Great. Sounds like the pawl is not engaging.

So now what? Will fluid pressure get it to move or will I need to drop the pan to have a look?

Pawl is totally mechanical. Fluid pressure while running wont help. Pawl not engaging is purely a function of the range of motion of the cable. Sounds like u are very close. Have a rum, stare at it on the hoist and figure a way to adjust in order to get the range of motion you need.

Edit!! After reading again, you are engaging park from below with cable disconnected? Hmm.. nothing else changed? U didnt have the trans out for any reason?

Without the linkage... You will need to zip-tie the arm on the column (under the hood) in the Park position so you can remove the key and lock the steering wheel.

Then... You need to wire in a Reverse light switch. (Manual switch or micro switch at the shifter)

Note: Without the back drive linkage... You WILL be able to start the car while it's in gear!

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Is the car being able to start in gear also true with a manual? I have a clutch safety switch that I believe is different then the neutral safety switch on auto cars. I plan to tack weld the column in the reverse position, then put a switch on the tranny like you say. I would not really want to lose the functionality of the clutch safety switch, because I just put one in to pass inspection.